Abstract

Background:
Dengue is a rapidly increasing public health problem in tropical regions, with acute kidney injury (AKI) emerging as a serious and underrecognized complication that contributes to morbidity and mortality.

Aim:
To study the clinical spectrum, determinants, and outcomes of AKI in patients with dengue fever.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months in a tertiary care hospital, including 100 adult patients with dengue confirmed by NS1 antigen or IgM serology. AKI was defined and staged using the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome criteria. Clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were collected using a structured proforma and analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results:
AKI was observed in 20% of patients, with Stage II being the most common (45%). Most participants were young adults with male predominance, but demographic factors were not significantly associated with AKI. Bleeding, dehydration, dengue severity, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and prolonged hospital stay were significantly associated (p < 0.05). Laboratory parameters such as platelet count, serum urea, peak creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (AST), and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly altered in patients with AKI. Mortality occurred only
in the AKI group.

Conclusion:
AKI is a frequent and clinically significant complication of dengue associated with severe disease and adverse outcomes. Early identification and timely management are crucial for improving prognosis.

Key words: Acute kidney injury; Dengue; KDIGO; Outcomes; Risk factors.